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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57187/5384

Original article

Vol. 156 No. 10 (2026)

Contemporary outcomes after 100 consecutive HeartMate 3 LVAD implantations: a single-centre cohort study from a Swiss tertiary centre

Cite this as:
Swiss Med Wkly. 2026;156:5384
Published
19.10.2026

Summary

INTRODUCTION: The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an established therapy for advanced heart failure, yet contemporary real-world data from low- or medium-volume centres remain limited. We aimed to describe the characteristics, management and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation at a Swiss tertiary centre.

METHODS: We conducted an observational study including consecutive adult patients who underwent HeartMate 3 implantation at Lausanne University Hospital between November 2015 and January 2026. Baseline characteristics, INTERMACS profiles, perioperative data, survival and LVAD-related complications were assessed. The primary outcome was survival on LVAD support. Comparisons by LVAD indication were pre-specified exploratory analyses (destination therapy vs bridge-to-transplant). Survival analyses on LVAD support, with heart transplantation or LVAD explantation treated as censoring events, were reported.

RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (mean age 58 [standard deviation 12] years, 84% male, 29% destination therapy) underwent HeartMate 3 implantation. Ischaemic heart disease was the predominant aetiology (69%) and most patients (68%) were classified as INTERMACS profiles 3–4 at implantation. Over a median follow-up of 1.5 (IQR 0.5–3) years, 27 patients died on LVAD support, corresponding to a mortality incidence rate (IR) of 13.5 deaths per 100 patient-years, while 51 patients underwent heart transplantation, corresponding to an IR of transplantation of 25.4 per 100 patient-years. Five-year survival on LVAD support was 64%, with patients censored at LVAD explantation for recovery or transplantation. LVAD-related complications included bleeding (48%), infection (50%), ischaemic stroke (12%) and right ventricular failure (39%). Survival did not differ by LVAD indication (bridge-to-transplant as reference, adjusted HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.14–2.72).

CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary, real-world, medium-sized cohort, HeartMate 3 therapy provided durable long-term support across a broad spectrum of advanced heart failure patients, with outcomes consistent with those reported in large multicentre registries.

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